Equine Hormone Imbalance Treatment

When broodmares, or even breeding stallions, have a hormone imbalance, the horse's fertility is compromised. If your mare has severe symptoms when she goes into heat, such as sensitivity, "mare-like" behavior and colic, you may want to consider a hormone imbalance treatment.

  1. Vet Consultation

    • Have your veterinarian perform several tests, including a health check, a rectal examination of the reproduction system, an ultrasound of the ovaries and blood work. The results will tell you and your veterinarian what treatment your horse needs. Also consider what you will be doing with your mare. If she's going to continue a training and competition schedule, there are treatments you cannot use because the drugs or herbs are not legal in competition. If your broodmare is on pasture only, or you ride her just for pleasure, you have more options.

    Supplementation

    • Supplements designed for mares with hormone imbalances are usually made with herbs that are not legal in most horse show associations, or antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that are usually naturally present in the horse's body. Some of the latter may or may not be legal in competition. Herbs can include chaste berry, valerian root or raspberry leaf. Whatever the ingredients, supplements for hormone imbalances are specifically marketed for that purpose.

    Other Treatments

    • You can also look into hormone additives or a treatment that is essentially a birth control pill for horses, neither of which is very common. Some of these treatments are also illegal at horse shows. Hormone additives also should not be used long-term.